Daughter of Rome + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they’re banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that “no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.”

My Review:

published in 2020

True confession time – I’m not a huge fan of Biblical Fiction. Not any fan at all, really, but some of you have encouraged me to give the genre a second chance and Tessa Afshar was recommended a lot, so here we are and, gasp — I loved this story! I’m still gobsmacked about that.

First off — the author’s writing is so beautiful! Descriptive without bogging the story down and her phrasing is just exquisite. It’s also clear that she doesn’t take the responsibility of portraying biblical events or persons lightly. That was one of my worries — especially since this book deals with people I’ve met ‘for real’ in the bible. And while Afshar obviously embellishes their back stories and the day to day events in their lives, she manages to stay true to their essence, making this almost a reverent read for all that it’s fiction.

Priscilla and Aquila’s story is all about grace and forgiveness. It’s about understanding the difference between finding your worth through works or through faith. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the workings of the early church and noting the similarities we share — both in personalities within the church and varying opinions.

So, while I still wouldn’t consider myself an ardent Biblical Fiction fan, I’m definitely a Tessa Afshar fan and am eager to explore more of her work…so that’s a good start, right?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Daughter of Rome, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

29 thoughts on “Daughter of Rome + Giveaway”

  2. I would love the opportunity to read “Daughter of Rome”. I, too, have pretty much steered clear of this genre, but I have to admit that between the book’s description and your review it sounds absolutely amazing. Great cover, wonderful sounding book and a rave review from Kav all have this book saying READ ME.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  3. Yes, Kav you made a good choice in starting Biblical fiction with this author. She is the best, love her writing and so far all the books I have read. I’m actually reading this one right now and like you,
    enjoying it a lot. Don’t count me in on this one.

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  4. I don’t usually read biblical fiction but I have really enjoyed the ones I have read. This one looks great! Please enter me.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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  5. I have not read anything by Tessa…but have read plenty of Biblical fiction by Jill Eileen Smith & highly recommend her to you Kav. She’s another excellent writer who brings people of the Bible and events to living, breathing beings and events. She always makes me want to re-read their accounts in scriptures and gives me new insight to what their world might have looked like. I love when an author can bring life to fiction, whether it’s Biblical or made-up 😊

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. There seem to be a few really well known biblical fiction authors out there. I have heard of Jill Eileen Smith. Neat when their work inspires a deep dive into the bible. Good luck, Trixi!

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  7. I love Biblical Fiction. I missed this one so thank you for sharing. You have to try Connilyn Cossette. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot) com

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    1. I’ve actually read maybe two Cannily Cossette novels? But I know she’s written way more. She’s on my list to explore and I guess, since we’re book twins and you like her books than I should too. 🙂 Good luck, Lucy!

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  9. I don’t really like Biblical fiction, however, Tessa Afshar is one of the few authors who make me like the genre.

    readreviewrejoiceATgmailDOTcom

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  10. Oh I’ve read only one book in this genre because I’m just kinda not a fan of it either, but her books I loved. I read The Field of Grace by Tessa and it was really good and I enjoyed it. Tessa is the only author I will read in the biblical fiction genre

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    1. I’ll have to check for that one. Bet my library has it. Funny how so many of us aren’t biblical fiction fans. It’s a real niche and yet the books keep getting published! Good luck, Sarah!

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  11. I’m so glad you gave Tessa a try, she is the best of the best! Now you need to go back and read The Thief of Corinth and then Jewel of the Nile, these three go together and have reoccurring characters. But you could also go straight to her latest release, The Hidden Prince which is also fabulous. I’m on pins and needles waiting for The Peasant King in Nov. If you can’t tell I’m a big fan! 🙂

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    1. Ooohhhh, thanks for the heads up. Audible Plus has Jewel of the Nile and it does sound exciting. Will have to check my library to see if they have The Thief of Corinth. I can see why you’re a fan, Tracey! Happy Reading!

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  13. My given name is Priscilla, I need to read this book! I remember seeing it when it first came out, but haven’t gotten my hands on a copy.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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